Vai's View: Finding one's way through faith

Comments

Vai, We loved your story about Bryan. You and your family have been such
a miracle in Bryan's life. We are so hapy to hear about Bryan and Temecia. I
still remember the day we met you and Keala after one of the Eagles's game.
Your whole family has always treated us, even from the first meeting, that we
are one of your special friends. Thank you and Merry Christmas. Love, Roger
and Jan Lewis

stampederusEphraim, UT

Dec. 4, 2011 12:20 p.m.

A very touching story. It brought tears to my eyes. Val's articles are always
interesting, but this ones especially touched my heat.

oldcougarOrem, UT

Dec. 4, 2011 10:01 a.m.

A great read on a Sunday morning. I'm sure this Sunday will be glorious for all
in this story. Thanks!

cindybCASPER, WY

Dec. 4, 2011 8:10 a.m.

Nothing is as good as a great missionary story. Thanks Vai for sharing yet
another inspiring experience. We all need to remember that as ward members it
important to step up and be friends with investigators. They need a new family
of members, not just missionaries and the friend who brought them.

Paul in MDMontgomery Village, MD

Dec. 3, 2011 7:44 p.m.

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I recently baptized my nephew, as his father
is not active. I have been thinking about my own baptism a bit. It occurred to
me that I was also baptized in the Moorestown, NJ chapel, 35 years ago. I
remember some things very well, others not so much. I do remember the Primary
Room being pretty full - there were several other people being baptized that
day.

To me, places aren't always nearly as important as the events
that happened. But that chapel was a big part of my youth. I was baptized
there. I attended seminary there (this was before the Medford chapel was built
across from Shawnee HS). I learned a great deal of what I know about the Spirit
from some great teachers in those classrooms. I gave my final talk before
leaving for a mission, and I gave my first talk back at that pulpit. I also had
a wedding open house there.

I think there are still people attending
that ward that I remember. I only live a few hours away. Maybe it's time I
paid another visit.

Pelicansouth jordan, Utah

Dec. 3, 2011 3:32 a.m.

Vai, thank you for another OUTSTANDING article. Your messages are always
inspiring and personal. Congratulations to Bryan and Temecia. What a great
story. I wish them well. Your closing comments to the parents of the
missionaries was fabulous. Very well said and they, and all parents of
missionaries, should be proud. Thanks, again, for inspired articles.

Vai, you are an example to me of "doer of the word". You are truly an
inspiration and an example of how the restored Gospel should be lived. I hope to
be more like you and your example. It's sad how I've allowed that flame to
flicker since my mission completed over 12 years ago.

bobosmomsmall town, Nebraska

Dec. 2, 2011 8:54 p.m.

I love your columns. They are always food for thought. Congratulations on Bryans
friend getting baptized. If possible, at a later date could we have an update?

Mike JohnsonStafford, VA

Dec. 2, 2011 8:08 p.m.

Thanks, Vai. Another great story from a master story teller.

Aloha Saint GeorgeSaint George, Utah

Dec. 2, 2011 5:51 p.m.

You never know how it all works out, a lot of things were happening to get to
this point. Dating and possibly marrying someone in the mission field is so
awesome, although I have no idea who Temecia is, traditionally they're known as
the 'life blood' of the church for a reason. New converts add an energy that's
very complementary to the wards, especially those who's testimonies are based on
Christ through the Book of Mormon. In my experience, they are the strongest
members and most likely to stay strong in the gospel. Good luck to both Bryan,
Temecia, and their children. Your future looks bright.

NickelsworthSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 5:36 p.m.

Thanks Vai - Stories like this put sports and the rivalries in perspective. I
hope we call all take note and go kiss our kids - wives/husbands

regisSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 5:26 p.m.

What a great story.

I like this Sikahema guy - even if he did play
for the wrong team.

LiberalEastCoastMemberParkesburg, PA

Dec. 2, 2011 5:15 p.m.

Heater in Bala, are you always so adept at finding the cloud in silver linings?
This was a beautiful, wonderfully told story that warmed the heart of even this
hardened Philadelphian. It had nothing to do with politics, John Huntsman (or
his daughters) or why people do or don't stay married.

patriotCedar Hills, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 2:53 p.m.

great story

CWEBOrem, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 2:34 p.m.

Teary eyed...why does God let bad things happen? Better question: Why does he
bless us so richly? Doesn't He have better things to do? I guess not, he kinda
acts like "our Father" Hmmmm...oh...yeah...

Loved the
story and all the others you do!

HeaterBALA CYNWYD, PA

Dec. 2, 2011 2:33 p.m.

risintx - something tells me I know why you're 55, single and bitter. Best of
luck staying single - probably the rest of your life. I'm so happy for your
ex-wife, she must feel liberated.

BigFanOgden, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 2:32 p.m.

Thanks Vai! We are sending our oldest son on his mission to Birmingham England
in 3 weeks. I was touched by your missionary story and I am so grateful for the
wonderful people in this world who are amazing examples of followers of our
Savior. Keep the faith!

Mr. MootsSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 1:59 p.m.

Vai,

Thanks for sharing this story. I love it. I am a huge Bryan
Rowley fan!!!

He is one of the best athletes to come out of the State
of Utah. I wish I could've seen him play in the NFL. I think he could have
dominated if he was on the right team that wasn't biased against short white
guys.

Tamecia thanks for being there for Bryan. Congratulations on
your baptism. That is such a great bold step that you will be forever thankful
you took.

Good luck!

rlsintxPlano, TX

Dec. 2, 2011 1:52 p.m.

I'm 55, been single 8 years, live in Dallas TX. It's amazing how many times
I've met someone who joined the church after meeting a member in a dating
situation and years later their either split up or divorced and on their own
again. Happens a lot.

Robb CSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 1:38 p.m.

Thanks Vai. Another terrific story!

HeaterBALA CYNWYD, PA

Dec. 2, 2011 1:27 p.m.

It's a shame Bryan couldn't have been there to teach the Huntsman girls what he
was teaching his 9 year-old about modesty. Money and privelege won't buy those
girls the peace little Sage Rowley enjoys and will reap throughout her life by
preparing herself to make temple covenants. You da man, Brian.

TJEagle Mountain, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 1:15 p.m.

Excellent article Vai. Always a pleasure to read about your experiences and
thoughts.

bikerdudeOrem, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 12:39 p.m.

Thanks for keeping us uplifted in Orem. I wish we had more opportunities for
sharing the treasure of the Gospel. We have had to live vicariously through our
son who will be returning from Russia in two weeks. He is the third and final
son to serve. We continue to look for opportunities to share the treasure of the
Gospel whenever we can. Don C.

supainthehillsCottonwood Heights, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 12:10 p.m.

There's a great talk that Elder Holland shared in September 2008 entitled,
"Lessons from Liberty Jail". In that talk he speaks on point about
many of the 'why? and how come?" questions that so many of us have about
our specific plans of happiness have as many bumps in the road as they do. It
helped summarize and add to the lessons I had spent a decade or so learning on
my own. I have since emailed the talk to a number of friends and family members
as they've faced their "Liberty Jail" moments.

Thank you
again for sharing such a real and honest part of who you are, Vai! Your words do
inspire and uplift me!!

supainthehillsCottonwood Heights, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 12:07 p.m.

Thank you, Vai!

I've commented on articles in the past, but those
about Bryan always touch a very tender part of my spirit. I knew and competed
against him in high school when I attended Alta. Chad shared some of his story
with me when I ran into him at a BYU game. I LOVE the updates about well Bryan
is still doing!

I've personally gone through challenges that
certainly didn't seem 'fair' many times in my journey. I know that's probably
pretty common for most of us to experience at one time or another. At those
times it just doesn't seem right that a loving Father would allow some of the
things to happen that do when one is doing ones best to walk down the path.
However, when I was finally willing to simply let my questions go and put my
trust in Him instead, the 'if's, and's and why's' didn't matter anymore. It was
just important that I was willing to learn to trust that there is a point and
purpose in all of it...and someday the 'reasons' will all make sense. :)

CT98Saint George, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 11:39 a.m.

WOW! Vai hit another home run. Great article. And congratulations to Temecia
on making one of the most important decisions of her life. Bryan is a stand-up
guy and serves as a great example to so many people.

I'm sure the
Elder's parents will appreciate Vai's kind words about their sons. What a great
story of conversion.

USAloverSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 11:29 a.m.

Best wishes and congratulations to Bryan and Temecia. I hope their future life
together brings happiness and fulfillment.

We are all on a great
faith adventure, knowing we only see mortality through "a glass
darkly", as Paul taught.

Thanks for allowing Vai to share your
story.

El Chango SupremoRexburg, ID

Dec. 2, 2011 11:22 a.m.

Wonderful Story! Thanks Vai!

JAMMACHERRIMAN, UT

Dec. 2, 2011 11:12 a.m.

Vai, as a Utah season ticket holder, let me say, you are a tremendous
individual. Thank you for your always-inspiring columns. Pass along our
congratulations and encouragement to Temecia and Bryan.